Second one in I think captured the moment of doom for the front Birf at the bottom of 4.
I did get a few good ones of the rig in action.
I did get a few good ones of the rig in action.
1980 Longbed Pickup Build - Epically Slow Style (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Sam Stewart
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Thread starter
- #862
Yes I believe that was the death of the birf. And, yes, you did get some good shots. I'm finding out more and more that I should just hand off the camera to someone and see what I end up with.
- Thread starter
- #863
Ok so since I likely have the trailer situation handled. I'm back to thinking about what exactly I want to do with the mini. If I'm going to tear into it I really hate to just slap an axle back in there and go wheel. I'd rather tear it all down and fix it right (where hopefully I won't have to do it again.) I'm thinking Longs, V6 4R calipers, FJ60 rotors, and a full axle rebuild. Here's my proposed parts list:
V6 4Runner calipers ~$68 ea
FJ60 rotors ~$55 ea
Axle kit $179+ship (Marlin) or ~$430 OEM
Longs $645+ship
Total with MC kit ~$1200
Total with OEM ~$1400
I've heard lots of opinions on the MC stuff, some good and some bad. I try to use OEM stuff on my truck whenever possible but I also try to consider how much I drive it. Or, rather, how much I DON'T drive it.
V6 4Runner calipers ~$68 ea
FJ60 rotors ~$55 ea
Axle kit $179+ship (Marlin) or ~$430 OEM
Longs $645+ship
Total with MC kit ~$1200
Total with OEM ~$1400
I've heard lots of opinions on the MC stuff, some good and some bad. I try to use OEM stuff on my truck whenever possible but I also try to consider how much I drive it. Or, rather, how much I DON'T drive it.
Marlin stuff isn't too bad. Use the OEM axle seals at the very least. You could also go with the long field wipers and the TG HD backing rings to hold them in. That is kind of what I was thinking when I did build a front axle for my mini or 4Runner. And if you do that, not sure that the MC kit will have very much left in it that is usable. You would have to add up the remainder to see if the $ made sense at that point.
Not to add to your options, but have you looked at using IFS spindles and Tundy calipers up front. Adds about 1.5" to each side and you get the larger brakes. Some folks are doing it to match the width of a later model IFS rear which is about 3" wider than the early front solid axles. Just a thought to ponder. You would need a spacer to even up the rear for now, but would give you a little wider track and set you up for a IFS rear if you ever wanted to go that route. Also, the IFS hub/spindle doesn't have to have the tundra brakes, will run the v6 with 60 rotors just fine, just an upgrade option to consider
Not to add to your options, but have you looked at using IFS spindles and Tundy calipers up front. Adds about 1.5" to each side and you get the larger brakes. Some folks are doing it to match the width of a later model IFS rear which is about 3" wider than the early front solid axles. Just a thought to ponder. You would need a spacer to even up the rear for now, but would give you a little wider track and set you up for a IFS rear if you ever wanted to go that route. Also, the IFS hub/spindle doesn't have to have the tundra brakes, will run the v6 with 60 rotors just fine, just an upgrade option to consider
- Thread starter
- #865
I don't plan on swapping the rear axle. And the only weak link in the front right now is the 32 year old factory birfs. I already have a HP 80 diff, aussie, etc, so I don't think I really need anything more there. Also, I only wheel with it a couple times a year so it's not like I need the extra braking on the road. It's more of a, my brakes suck so here's an easy and fairly inexpensive way to upgrade to something much better while I'm in there, kinda thing.
To your point about the lifetime wipers and stuff, I may just piece it together. In reality though, I'll probably spend as much as the factory stuff doing that, in which case I would rather just use all OEM. I don't know about the lifetime seals but the factory ones lasted for 32 years and who knows how many miles.
Very true on the braking and width upgrades. Hard to justify for something that you just beat in the woods, and if v6 calipers and 60 rotors is a tried and true upgrade.
32 years ain't bad, hard to argue with that.
$1200-$1400 and many months OOC for the mini.... Or ~$50 and one afternoon to be back on the trails....
then 
.
Start getting the parts together, but don't let the rig sit around in the mean time when you could be out wheelin it for very little time and effort. That's just my 2¢.
There are certain ways to help avoid birf breakage too, and we can easily show you what they are. My biggest advice would be to watch how John drives. He's broken VERY few birfs I think. Just gotta know when you can and can't do certain actions involving throttle, lockers and steering. Birfs CAN handle 37's IF you know how to treat them.
then .Start getting the parts together, but don't let the rig sit around in the mean time when you could be out wheelin it for very little time and effort. That's just my 2¢.
There are certain ways to help avoid birf breakage too, and we can easily show you what they are. My biggest advice would be to watch how John drives. He's broken VERY few birfs I think. Just gotta know when you can and can't do certain actions involving throttle, lockers and steering. Birfs CAN handle 37's IF you know how to treat them.
Do you know how many birfields that I have broken? Zero. I did twist the stub shaft on a 27 spline Longfields but never broke one, probably because I only ran stock shafts for one or two rides
W Longfields there is no thinking or worrying about your axles at all.
W Longfields there is no thinking or worrying about your axles at all.
- Thread starter
- #870
Yeah Michael. I'd like to fix it and not have to mess with it anymore.
I had fun kicking trail 4's
before it got me again Matt.
Sent from another Galaxy
I had fun kicking trail 4's
before it got me again Matt.Sent from another Galaxy
- Thread starter
- #871
I'm picking up a trailer at the ride next month so I'm waiting to see what all it needs before I spend any money on the mini.
My plan is still to go for the Longs and an full rebuild.
Sent from another Galaxy
My plan is still to go for the Longs and an full rebuild.
Sent from another Galaxy
parts info
hey sam, where did you get the parts to rebuild the shift linkages for your 80? mine has a lot of slack in it like yours and i want to tighten it up. i do not have the bolts and spacers either. thanks. you can email me personally at kevinsford@msn.com
hey sam, where did you get the parts to rebuild the shift linkages for your 80? mine has a lot of slack in it like yours and i want to tighten it up. i do not have the bolts and spacers either. thanks. you can email me personally at kevinsford@msn.com
Well, I'll be donating a set of dirty 30 birfs for Sam's truck. So, well be doing a birf jobber here really soon.
I think Sam wants his rig ready for the ACC ride in November.
I think Sam wants his rig ready for the ACC ride in November.
He was very excited to share that news this weekend. And although the 4Runner schooled 2 (except for that stump, that's what happens when you go off without your awesome spotter
) I think he (and the Boss) is looking forward to being back in the driver's seat of the mini.Sidebar, hate we missed you this weekend. Maybe next time.
Sorry, I forgot the proof. Sorry only got the one cause I was trying to make sure he kept his co-pilot in his good graces.
Definitely next time. The stars just didn't align with my 80 issue, waiting on my 60 to get shipped, etc.
- Thread starter
- #877
Couldn't let beno donate the axles so I'm going to give him some monies. I also just ordered my dirty 30 hilux short side axle. Just gotta get my rebuild kit and we're back in business!
Sent from another Galaxy
Sent from another Galaxy
- Thread starter
- #878
MAJOR UPDATE:
Just kidding. Still waiting on parts. Still need to order some parts. Etc... I did go out and crank the truck up and let it run about 5 minutes though.
It won't be long before I get everything together and start working on the axle. It will probably be quiet on the build side until November. I am thinking about some tube doors as well.
Sent from another Galaxy
Just kidding. Still waiting on parts. Still need to order some parts. Etc... I did go out and crank the truck up and let it run about 5 minutes though.
It won't be long before I get everything together and start working on the axle. It will probably be quiet on the build side until November. I am thinking about some tube doors as well.Sent from another Galaxy
I know it may be warmer in Macon, but it is cold in November in TN, and if the unusually cool and wet streak continues it will be below freezing with 3 feet of snow on the ground. I vote make sure the full doors will fit and the heat works.
Half doors for next spring.
Besides that, none of this matters if you can't turn right.
Half doors for next spring.
Besides that, none of this matters if you can't turn right.
- Thread starter
- #880
I know it may be warmer in Macon, but it is cold in November in TN, and if the unusually cool and wet streak continues it will be below freezing with 3 feet of snow on the ground. I vote make sure the full doors will fit and the heat works.
Half doors for next spring.
Besides that, none of this matters if you can't turn right.
First of all! ... I can't turn left, I can turn right just fine. The heat works (sort of) but there is no ducting to the vents so it just blows from the ac box in every direction. And I still have the doors so I can put them on if needed. I will assess when it gets closer if I need the doors or not. Besides, I have a jacket...
Sent from another Galaxy
